Joseph Hayden Featured in NJ Spotlight News Segment, “Menendez Corruption Trial Starts Monday”

Joseph A. Hayden, Jr., co-chair of the Criminal Defense practice and co-chair of the Investigations practice at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., was recently featured in an NJ Spotlight News segment titled, “Menendez Corruption Trial Starts Monday.” The segment discusses the jury selection and other processes in New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez’ corruption trial.

“Most of the defense will be legal on certain counts. That is - there is not a quid pro quo,” said Hayden.

Hayden said the Menendez team will probably argue the senator’s actions are shielded by the Constitution’s speech and debate clause.

“He did not have a governmental action within his senatorial duties and therefore however unsavory people may or may not think the cash is, or the gold bars, or whatever the explanation for them is, it’s still not a crime or bribery because he didn’t do anything.”

Menendez’s attorneys asked the judge to admit an expert psychiatric witness to testify about the senator’s mental health challenges — that he hoarded cash and gold because of “traumatic events” involving his father.

“It at least will give some credibility, as to Bob Menendez’s explanation and also humanize him.” Hayden said.

To read the full article in NJ Spotlight News, click here